The Benton Partnership
Minutes February 26, 2016
The February 18, 2016 meeting of The Benton Partnership was called to order by Chair Kayla Teckenbrock at 8:40 AM in the Council Room of Benton City Hall.
Members in attendance were:
Dallas Peck, Lisa Peck, Lois Cunningham, Tina Fox, Gene Gilliland, Diane Temple, Kayla Teckenbrock, Ann Riley
Minutes of the previous meeting were delivered to the members electronically by secretary Ann Riley. Motion to accept the minutes was made by Lisa Peck, second by Dallas Peck. Motion carried.
The Financial Report was distributed both electronically and in hard copy by treasurer, Tina Fox reflecting two new memberships for 2016, Color Bazaar and Parkway Chrysler and payment for Christmas lights from Heritage Bank. Motion to accept this report was made by Diane Temple, second by Lisa Peck. Motion carried.
There were no guests, therefore no guest concerns.
Old Business:
MCAC:
Ann Riley reported that all the children’s after school programs are in full swing. The next upcoming event will be the Race to the Finish presenting the Wulfe Brothers. It will be held at the Kentucky Dam State Resort Park with Chef Kelly providing the dinner. Tickets will again be $50.00 each or $500.00 for a table of eight. When you purchase a table, you make an extra contribution for the ability to choose with whom you sit.
Master Plan Update:
Gene reported that last week’s meeting with the Mayor concerning the Master Plan for the city had to be postponed as she was in an unscheduled meeting at the appointed time. It has not been rescheduled at the time but the Mayor is very interested in this.
He also reported that the National Endowments for the Arts will hold a workshop on grant writing on March 4, 2016 in Paducah, Ky. He has been inviting various people to attend in order to learn how best to qualify for grants. Lois Cunningham and Beth Cooper will attend representing the City of Benton and Suzann Cass will attend representing MCAC among others.
Membership Renewals:
Diane Temple reported that all letters have been mailed with the exception of the new ones that will appear on Lois Cunningham’s new list when it is complete.
Budget Committee Recommendation:
A very lengthy discussion concerning some of the things we might do in order to attain our goal of forty (40) members for this year. One suggestion was that we send an “invitation to join us” instead of a letter of request for money in 2017. Another suggestion was a trifold with pictures and descriptions of the things we are doing along with information about when and where we meet. Gene Gilliland and Diane Temple will work on a design for this. Another idea that was discussed more as a fundraiser than a membership drive was brought up by Ann Riley. There is a town in Tennessee that sponsors a “farm-to-table” meal in the middle of town. Local chefs and farmers come together to provide a beautiful, memorable meal on one of the downtown streets. Kayla Teckenbrock suggested that she contact Lizzzy Wood who is attempting to put together “traveling farmers market” and see if there might be a possibility of partnering with her and possibly allow the “farmers” to offer fresh fruits and vegetables for sale that were featured at the meal.
Cruise-In Report:
Update from Bad Bob’s:
Kayla Teckenbrock reported that she had left two (2) phone calls which had not yet been returned and she would make a personal visit at the conclusion of this meeting .
Update on Tee shirt art work:
Elena Blevins reported via email that at this point in time Randy Newcomb is very involved with the Legislative Session and that using several colors and the fact of having to purchase the photo rights was probably going to be cost prohibitive for us. Dian Temple brought a possible design that she had put together. Lisa Peck reported that she had a phone call this morning from a person who has the ability to change the file to a Vector file for the printers. She and Dallas Peck are meeting with him today. The possibility of using some of the pictures that Lisa Peck has made in order to avoid purchasing those on line was also discussed.
Update on location for Swap Meet:
It was reported that as this is a City sponsored event liability is assumed. As the parking lot that is under consideration is not city owned, Kayla Teckenbrock will speak with the Mayor to clarify the issue.
Update on license for the Swap Meet participants:
Wendy Baxter reported via email that she had attended the Benton City Council meeting this week to discuss city fees during the Swap Meet. The city said that they would not require any additional fees or license. So the Partnership may proceed with the advertising of this event without naming the exact location at this time. Lisa Peck reported that she and Dallas Peck will distribute flyers at Beacon Dragway on March 19, 2016.
New Business:
Kayla Teckenbrock reported that Dave Puckett has been attending City Council meeting lately and that we should considering attending also to lend him support. The city council meets on the third (3) Monday of each month. The meeting time has been 6 PM but Lois Cunningham reported that they were changing it to 5 PM.
Adjourn:
Motion to adjourn was made by Gene Gilliland.